So, we met with the gang for a play date at the park this morning. I took along the camera so I could try out the zooooom lens Brian got me for Christmas! Got some great ones of most everyone but I'll just post my kids here and let the other mommies share if they want on their blogs! Audrey running and Alexander picking flowers for me (pre-meltdown of Alexander... ya, don't ask.).

Friday, January 25, 2008

Ok. so here it is cold outside and I'm on the front porch taking pictures of a cabana house decorated with paper! hee! So, decorated this birdhouse I got from Joanne's fabric using Glitz design summer crush line:summer crabby, summer stripe, summer scallop and summer polka pp. also using Glitz frosting!

The roof was made by wrapping patterned paper around a orange stick, cutting the strips in half, gluing the roll then attaching to the bottom of the roof. I used tracing paper to trace the sides of the house and the grass as a template for each part. Then, cut out the pp to place on each item. The little umbrella was my friend Angie Hagist's idea (thanks, Angie). I bought a umbrella from target but added a little topper (from Glitz pp) and some bling on the top. The little crab was cut from Glitz pp, then used foam adhesive on the back! tfl!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

I admit it. I took Alexander to an open house for a VPK school I am thinking of putting him in next year. It's only 9-1pm m-f and doesn't start for a while, but I still felt a little sad while on the way there thinking of him not being with me all day.... I know, I'm a sap. BUT I do love being with my little guy and gal here at home!!!

Friday, January 4, 2008

made this memory purse using the yummy creative cafe stuff from Creative Imaginations!- their chipboard, paper, diecut flowers, ribbon and buttons. did some sanding and distressing to the edges of paper and flowers. also, used a hole punch to cut out green circles then cut them in half to become my leaves! Check out for these fun purses. MemoryPurses.com

Thursday, January 3, 2008

So, I wrote this article in April 2005, but I have some gals at Create My Keepsake asking about circle journals. So, I'll share the article here and hope whoever needs info. will find it helpful (mind you some of these ideas may be a little dated and feel free to change all the rules and make up your own):Circle journals have become very popular these days, but the idea has been around for a long time. Many women have been involved in round robins or have made crazy quilts. The idea of a circle journal is quite similar. A circle journal is a book passed along through a group, each adding to that journal.

There are so many reasons to join a circle journal. Participating in a circle journal means you get to make new friends, have fun, contribute to another’s book, see other's work and end up with a creative book at the end. Holding someone else’s work in your hands can be very inspiring. Just think of all the different and unique contributions different people can make in your journal.

When selecting the actual book or journal you will use keep in mind the fact that this will be mailed several times. There are many companies that make small journals appropriate for a circle journal. You can also find small journals at Target for less than $5.00. Many office supply stores will actually cut cardstock and make a cover for you as well as bind it for less than $8.00. Take into consideration how many pages you will need so each member can make their entries. You want something that is lightweight but durable.

There are a few key parts of a circle journal.First is the title page. This is not vital, but can be a fun way to start your book. Next is an introductory page with instructions or rules about your journal. Some people explain their theme and why they chose it on this page. If you do not wish for certain colors or products to be used you should say this here in the instructions. The next part of the journal is a sign in. You do sign in to your own circle journal. There are numerous ways to have those working in your journal sign in. Some people make multiple sign-in pages, others just one. Sign in pages sometimes include blank tags for each member to design. You may include instructions on how to sign in, asking for each person to add a picture of themselves, for example. Make a pocket page and place tags in the pockets for each person. Have the members of your group personalize their tag further by adding ribbon that suits their personality. My circle journal sign-in was made up of library pockets each decorated with member’s initials. Each member was to decorate a tag and include a picture. A sign in can also be done by placing colored paper in strips on a page and having each member sign in on a strip. The last part of your journal you will make before sending it to the next person is a two page layout relating to your theme. Make sure the next person will have room to do their layout side by side. Most group members only do a two page layout and the sign in. Decorating the outside cover of the circle journal usually should wait until the finished journal is returned to you. Most of the bumps and bruises will be born by the cover. If more inspiration is needed on circle journals Lil’ Davis Designs has published a book about circle journals called “Full Circle”.

There can be some pitfalls in joining a circle journal, but there doesn’t have to be. Hopefully these tips can prevent anyone from having a negative experience.

Who joins a circle journal can be very important. Probably the simplest way to do a circle journal is with people in your area- perhaps those you crop with. A circle journal group does not have to be large. You could even exchange journals with one other person. Many people meet members on the internet on web sites. Most groups run most efficiently when the number of members stays at or around 10 (there are exceptions, of course). Just keep in mind that the more people involved, the more people to keep up with and the longer it will take for the journal to be completed and returned to you.

The logistics of managing a circle journal group does not have to be complicated. Usually there is someone who hosts the group and keeps up with what is happening in the group. Let others know you wish to start a circle journal and allow for them to sign up. Once everyone has been given ample time to sign up then you can finalize the members. It is imperative to have some place to communicate with the group. Some groups do this in forums. One good idea is to set up a yahoo group page. Members can complete a database with their information (name, address, online name, etc.). Be sure to get phone numbers as well.

Perhaps the most important thing before beginning the circle journal group is to make certain each person understands the commitment of time and money they will be making. It takes months to complete a circle journal. This means that every few weeks you must complete entries in another person’s book and mail it.

Set up a time frame as to when everyone will mail the journals. Most people find that there are actually more problems that occur when journals are kept by each person for more than a month. Mailing every two to three weeks seems best, but the time frame can be discussed by the group and decided on.

Rules!!! First, how you mail the journal is of utmost importance. You can’t imagine the disappointment you will feel if a circle journal that is almost complete gets lost in the mail. After all that time and energy it could be heartbreaking. Each person should use some sort of priority mail that can be tracked. United States Postal Service can ship most packages Priority Mail with tracking for less than 5-6 dollars. I have been a part of a group that created a database where we posted the tracking numbers for our journals. Also, each member of the group should receive journals from the same person and mail to the same person ( for example, in a three person group: Susie mails to jen , jen mails to nancy, nancy mails to Susie). This cuts down on the confusion. Please make sure that the journals are packaged properly and padded. Double check the mailing address and put a return address in case the package gets lost. You should also place your name, mailing address and email on the back inside cover of the journal itself.

Courtesy rules. You will have someone’s circle journal in your home. If you are a smoker you should try not to smoke around the journal. Keep the circle journal sealed in a plastic bag so the journal will not smell like smoke. Watch that children and pets do not get into the journal. If you take someone’s journal to show people please be careful not to lose it. Do not eat or drink around the journal. If a book is lost, damaged or arrives in the mail damaged you should notify the host of the group and the owner of the book immediately.

Also, if you begin to realize you have taken on too much by being in a circle journal let someone know. It is alright to bow out. Many people have shared the heartbreak of someone being embarrassed at getting behind in the journals and then vanishing. People are trusting you with their journal, please do not let them down. A member of one circle journal made up a silly, but meaningful pledge for the members of the group:everyone stand up, raise two fingers and recite the following:

I pledgeMy head to clear thinking,I will try not to forget to send the CJ on time.My heart to greater loyalty,I will remain loyal to the members of my CJ.My hands to larger service,I will try, to the best of my ability, to create pages that will betrue to the meaning of a given CJAnd, My health to better living,I will not drink cocktails while creating my CJ pages for the healthof the journalFor my CJ, my community, my country, and my world.

Here are a few ideas for circle journal themes:

things/people that bring you joy)MOTIVATION (what motivates you)FAMILY RECIPESMUSIC (that motivates you, that you love, that reminds you of something, etc.)FAVORITE COLORFAVORITE VACATION SPOTSIMPLE PLEASURESLIFE LESSONSLOVE LESSONSFRIENDSHIPSHOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIMEBEING A GIRLthe 5 sensesFAVORITE SEASONWHO YOU'D LIKE TO MEET, ALIVE OR DEADQUOTES THAT MOVE METRAVELTIPS & TECHNIQUESWHAT MAKES YOU HAPPYGIRL TALKTHE GIRL IN THE MIRRORMONOCHROMATICDETOURSMY GIFTSWORDS TO LIVE BYTHINGS I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOWFAVORITE BOOKSWHY I LIKE BEING A GIRLDREAMSWHAT FONT ARE YOU?MY HEROINSPIRATIONAL TEACHERSMY FAVORITE THINGSFAVORITE ANIMALSPROUD MOMENTSSELF PORTRAITMY HOMETOWNHOMETOWN TRAVEL GUIDEMOST MEMORABLE MOMENTWHAT MAKES ME GIGGLEA-Z ABOUT MEFINDING YOUR INNER STRENGTHMY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS (about or among)GRATITUDEWHERE I'D LIKE TO TRAVELWHAT MAKES ME BLUSHALL ABOUT MECLASSIC ADS OF DAYS GONE BYIF (questions for the game of life - each participant chooses a different question)IF I WERE QUEEN FOR A DAYIF I COULD GO ANYWHEREinspiration (photos, stories, quotes, etc.)BETCHA DIDN'T KNOW (things that most people don't know about you)where I come fromMY FIRST DREAM COME TRUEMY PET PEEVE (lighthearted)YOUR FAVORITE BOOK PASSAGEHOBBIESOBSTACLESI AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE AMERICANS.FLOWERSPOETRYLULLABIESFABLESPOCKETS/PURSES (what's in the bottom of them)WOMEN/PEOPLE/PERSON WHO'VE INFLUENCED YOUYOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGAL PALSMY MOST PRIZED POSSESSIONMY COLLECTION(S)MY FAVORITE TEXTURE(S)my favorite jokeTHINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIEINFLUENCEMY NAMEPOTPOURRIOde to JoyAttitude of GratitudeFavorite ______ (you complete the theme)A Time to RememberLessons LearnedThe Power of InspirationCreatingTruly, Madly, DeeplyThe Magic of LifeHeart & SoulWhat Matters MostTreasured MomentsReality Isn’t What It Used to BeProud to Be An AmericanDancing With AgeGift of WordsA Day in the Life . . .SilenceLove Spoken HereOutside My WindowMy World – And Welcome To It!Quiet WonderGarden of DelightSimple PleasuresPlanting An Impossible GardenLove LessonsSoul PrintsBeyond MotivationGardens of my LifeBest Advice (Given & Received)The Fabric of LifePoetry _________ (you complete the theme)True WordsAudacious WisdomThere’s No Place Like HomeElements of MeNourishing TraditionWhat’s Cookin?The Power of AgeLife’s SeasonsWish Come TrueIt’s Love!Romancing the ____ (you complete the theme)First ImpressionsJourneys In My Life (travel related) or Where I've Been and What I've Seen How I Feel About Me, NowLessons I'm Learning In My Second Half-CenturyWhat I Know Now....Life Lessons from Strange PlacesWhy I Don't ........??What I Know Now That I Wish I'd Known When I Was 20?Celebrating the Woman I've BecomeThe Value of ValuesFavorite musicPieces of Melaughter- what makes you laughArt Inspires!pockets or tag journalHolidays of the Heart (favorite holidays or celebrations)You’ve Got a FriendBridge Over Troubled Waters (who or what helps you through life’s bumps?)(what keeps you . . .) Forever Young at HeartOf A Certain AgeWhat’s the Good Word? (a powerful word for you)Whim & WhimsyThe Power of InspirationThe Circle of LifeGratitudesMama Had a Dancing HeartLove Spoken HereThings I Know NowLife RecipesWords: Their Gifts & TruthOne WishThe Journey: Then & NowOur Hometowns: Their Place in History & Sights to SeeLife's DefinitionsLife's Journey: Who Are You?Wind Beneath My WingsLessons Learned . . . the Lighter SideInner Music: What Makes Your Heart SingThe Many Hats of LifeIt Was a Very Good Year

Circle journals are so much fun. It is truly a pleasure getting to know the members in each group, to see their work and to contribute your talent to their book. When your journal returns you will have a creative, artistic journal about the topic you have chosen. Hopefully you will also have some wonderful new friends.

Charity

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All blog content is the original artwork and property of Charity Hassel, except where noted. The creations shared are for personal inspiration only and may not be copied for publication or contest submission. Thank you and enjoy!